Some tips for a trip to Japan (Tokyo)

Here are some suggestions of places to see in Tokyo:

• Akihabara
  
  Akihabara is the famous electronics district in Japan. However, these days, it is often cheaper to buy things in the US, even for Japanese products, but it is still interesting to go and see. Some products are not available in the US and often you will see products available in Japan earlier than in the US. Stores will often close by 8 pm, so even though Tokyo seems to be open 24x7, not so in Akihabara.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html
  
  
• Asakusa
  
  There is a famous temple in Asakusa called Sensoji temple. The gate in front of the temple is just as famous. Upon walking past the gate on the way to the shrine, there are many little shops which sell traditional Japanese items. However, as one Japanese person told me, one should go to the temple to pray first.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html
  
  
• Odaiba
  
  Attractions in Odaiba include several shopping and entertainment centers, theme parks, museums and the futuristic architecture and city planning. We saw Asimo (Honda's robot) at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
  
  
• Shibuya
  
  Shibuya is a good place for people watching. There is one intersection where you will see wall-to-wall people crossing in all different directions. Sometimes there are bands playing there as well.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html
  
  
• Harajuku
  
  Harajuku is also a good place for people watching. There is one street (alley) which has quite a few stores there. To try to generalize the type of people you may see in Harajuku, this is where you would see teenagers dressed like punks (like punk rockers) or hippies.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html
  
  
• Shinjuku
  
  Shinjuku is one of the business districts in Tokyo. Some of the Tokyo metropolitan government office buildings are there. The main attraction here are the 50-story skyscrapers.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html
  
  
• Ameyoko
  
  Ameyoko is an alley where you'll see some discount bargaining. This is interesting just to see the atmosphere, as I don't think too many tourists will be doing grocery shopping in Tokyo. However, there are many other things to buy than groceries. This is also a good place for inexpensive sushi or dishes with raw fish over rice.
  
  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3012.html